The Einang stone (, N KJ63) is a runestone located to the northeast of the Einangsundet strait near the village of Slidre in Vestre Slidre Municipality in Innlandet county, Norway. The stone is notable for the age of its runic inscription. The Einang runestone is located within the extensive Gardberg site. It is placed on a grave mound on a ridge overlooking the Valdres valley. There are several other grave mounds nearby. Today the runestone is protected by glass walls and a roof.
Description
The Einang stone bears an Elder Futhark inscription, written from right to left, in Proto-Norse that has been dated to the 4th century. It is the oldest runestone still standing at its original location, and it may be the earliest inscription to mention the word runo 'rune'. Here the word appears in the singular. Additionally, the verb used in the inscription for the act of inscribing is faihido, which literally means 'painted'. This may mean that the inscription was originally highlighted with paint.
Inscription
thumb|none|400px|The inscription on the Einang stone
The generally accepted reading of the inscription was proposed by Erik Moltke in 1938.